TWENTIETH SINKANKAS SYMPOSIUM
– GEMS & MINERALS of BURMA (MYANMAR)
Named for one of the most distinguished and influential figures in gemology and mineralogy, the Sinkankas Symposium is a one-day event featuring presentations by noted specialists working in diverse gem-related disciplines or occupations. The theme of the Twentieth Sinkankas Symposium is the gems and minerals of Burma, home to a region with some of the most storied and significant gem-producing deposits in the world.
George Rossman at Caltech
February 10, 2022. Photo: L. Thoresen.
This year's symposium is dedicated to Dr. George Rossman, friend, colleague, teacher and mentor to so many who shared his passion for minerals. His presentations on color in gemstones was the highlight of nearly every Sinkankas Symposium dating back to the very beginning. He made the complicated nature of color science accessible and enormously interesting to enthusiastic, but non-technical audiences. Thanks in great measure to Professor Rossman, the Sinkankas Symposium grew into a thriving perennial event.
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The Sinkankas Symposium has been described as the most important gemological conference in North America by respected authorities on gemstones. Originally oganized by Roger Merk, the event is co-sponsored by the GIA (Gemological Institute of America) and Geo-Literary Society. GIA's worldwide headquarters at its Carlsbad campus has provided the event's venue since 2003. Bill Larson has been a generous supporter and lively speaker at the event since its inception. Robert Weldon will emcee the Sinkankas Symposium in 2026.
TWENTIETH SINKANKAS SYMPOSIUM
– DATE, VENUE & REGISTRATION
Saturday, April 25, 2026
GIA (Gemological Institute of America)
World Headquarters and The Robert Mouawad Campus
5345 Armada Drive
Carlsbad, CA 92008
REGISTRATION: Open Now, online only. sinkankassymposium20.eventbrite.com
COST: Early-bird registration through March 16, 2026: $185. After March 16th: $200.
THINGS TO REMEMBER: Registration required. No same-day registration. Government photo ID required to attend.
WHAT'S INCLUDED WITH REGISTRATION: Registration includes one complimentary copy of the printed proceedings for 2026; morning and afternoon refreshments, box lunch, and a reception for speakers and attendees at GIA following the day's presentations. View the exhibition of Temples and Treasures of South Asia and browse specialty books available for purchase courtesy of the GIA Store and invited publishers and authors.
ORDERING EXTRA COPIES OF THE PROCEEDINGS: Additional copies of the forthcoming proceedings as well as back issues of past symposia may be pre-ordered separately online at: bit.ly/sinkankaspubs2026. Pre-orders accepted until Wednesday, April 8th, 2026. Printed volumes begin shipping on May 19, 2026.
TWENTIETH SINKANKAS SYMPOSIUM – SPEAKERS *
Recognized specialists in fields ranging from geology and mineralogy to history, nomenclature, collecting and selling will make presentations on gems and minerals of Burma.
Dr. Rachelle Turnier – Geology of Burmese Corundum
Dr. Aaron Palke – Geology of Burmese Non-Corundum Gems, Including Peridot
Wim Vertriest – Field Gemology in Burma
Roland Schluessel – Mogok Gems
Nathan Renfro – Inclusions in Burmese Gems
Richard Hughes – Broken Bangle | The Blunder-Besmirched History of Jade Nomenclature
Dr. Laichen Sun – Background, Context, and Artifacts: Burmese Jadeite Pieces in China (circa 1580s – 1911)
Dr. Tao Hsu – Burmese Pearls
Stuart Robertson – Market Report of Burmese Gems
William Larson – Commercial Aspects and Travels in Burma
* Speakers and topics are subject to change without notice.
Twentieth Sinkankas Symposium: Gems & Minerals of Burma (Myanmar)
(April 25, 2026)Stuart Overlin and Lisbet Thoresen, Eds.
Official proceedings of the Twentieth Sinkankas Symposium, with contributions from 10 recognized authorities in their respective disciplines: Dr. Rachelle Turnier, Dr. Aaron Palke, Wim Vertriest, Roland Schlussel, Nathan Renfro, Richard Hughes, Dr. Laichen Sun, Dr. Tao Hsu, Stuart Robertson, and William Larson. Publisher: Pala International; Printed and Distributed by DPI Direct.
USD 47.00
Mogok: The Valley of Precious Stones
(2018)Kennedy Ho, Ed. Contributing Authors: Emmanuel Fritsch, Franck Notari, Candice Caplan and Thomas Hainschwang
A Franco-Swiss team of gemologists guided by gem expert Kennedy Ho explore the Mogok Valley and its gem resources, with support from the Asian Institute of Gemological Sciences. 192 pages, beautiful color photographs by Jean-Baptiste Rabouan. Publisher: Grenat.
Euro 39.50